WHSD Outperforms in annual Grading Our Schools analysis

The leaders of those districts — Abington Heights, Crestwood, Delaware
Valley and Wayne Highlands — say the success is about more revamped curriculum or updated buildings.

Dedicated teachers, influential administrators and involved parents make the difference, the superintendents say.

In the newspapers’ 18th annual analysis, the four districts met or
exceeded state averages on 17 standardized exams and the SAT.

This year’s Grading Our Schools report looked at 2016-17 Pennsylvania
System of School Assessment math, English language arts and science
tests, Keystone Exams and SAT scores, which are the most current test
results, for 500 districts, as well as a dozen other key educational
factors.
The report analyzes test scores and other demographics of the 37
districts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and
Wyoming counties.

While the state has seen modest gains in proficiency in tested subject
areas the last few years, gains in Northeast Pennsylvania have been
small or nonexistent. The federal government once expected all students
to score at proficient levels on standardized tests, but the goal was
“not attainable or even applicable,” Pedro A. Rivera, state secretary of
education, said.

This fall, the state will unveil a new system, the Future Ready PA
Index, aimed at increasing transparency and accountability and looking
at achievement beyond test scores.

“That aligns to the governor’s vision of providing a quality education
to each student in the commonwealth,” Rivera said. “When you look at all
of the factors, we’re maximizing our investments in education.”

At Wayne Highlands, the district focuses on creating a collaborative
community that encourages students to thrive — and not just on
standardized tests.

“It translates into an environment where people truly care,”
Superintendent Gregory Frigoletto said. “It always comes back to people.
We have really great people who work really hard.”

Although the Wayne County district covers more than 460 square miles,
programs are implemented consistently at classrooms across schools, he
said.

“Whatever the curriculum is, if you have a great teacher standing in
front of the class, that class is going to do well,” Frigoletto said.
“Curriculum and programs matter, but great teachers are going to have
great results, and I don’t just mean test scores. I mean for the whole
child.”